Patchwork and Quilting Classes & Courses
Welcome to our teaching schedule of Patchwork and Quilting Sewing Classes, Courses, Workshops and Open Days at The Cotton Patch in Birmingham. We hope you find a sewing class that will inspire you. All of the classes are held in the comfortable surroundings of The Cotton Patch Studio in Hall Green, Birmingham. Parking is available at the rear of the building or at The Cotton Patch shop which is only a few minutes walk away. Directions will be provided with your joining instructions. There is a kitchen at the Studio with a ready supply of tea and coffee where you can also eat lunch on the day-long courses. If there are courses or workshops that you would like to see in the future please contact us at mailorder@cottonpatch.co.uk or call in at the shop and write on our Class Wish list. We'll see what we can do!
For pictures of our Patchwork and Quilting Classes please visit our Flickr page - http://www.flickr.com/photos/cottonpatchuk/
Please call 0121 702 2840 to book your places on our Classes and Workshops.
Bookings must be made in advance and be accompanied by full payment.
A refund can only be given if four weeks notice of cancellation is received (less a £5 cost for administration). Monies cannot be transferred to another class. Occasionally due to a lack of demand or exceptional circumstances we may have to cancel a class. If we cancel a full refund will be given.
Full details on requirements for the courses will be sent two weeks before the start date. Materials are not included unless stated otherwise.
For full-day workshops please bring a packed lunch with you. Waitrose is close by if required.
If there are courses or workshops that you would like to see in the future please email us at mailorder@cottonpatch.co.uk or call in at the shop and write on our Class Wishlist. We'll see what we can do!
Beginners Courses and Classes
Getting to Know Your Sewing Machine for Patchwork and Quilting
For customers who are new to Patchwork and Quilting, using a sewing machine, either for the first time or perhaps after years of it gathering dust in a cupboard somewhere, can be a daunting task.
For machine piecing and quilting you need quite a few skills that are reliant on a knowledge of using your sewing machine. For this reason we've put together a 2 1/12 hour session which is for customers who are new to patchwork and quilting and for those just about to attend our Introduction to Pathcwork and Quilting or Beginners Lap Quilting course. It doesn't matter what your machine is we'll show you how to :
- Thread your machine
- Wind the bobbin and insert it
- Change the needle
- Change the presser feet
- Adjust stitch width and length
- Sew a 1/4" seam Select and use alternative stitches
- Drop the feed dogs
We'll also talk about some of the specialist feet available such as 1/4" feet, darning feet (free-motion feet like the Big Foot) and Walking Feet.
If you have questions and would like to find out if this course is suitable for you please email or call us.
L231-2013 This workshop will be held on Monday 22nd July 2013 1.30pm tp 4.00pm and costs £20.
L206-2013 This workshop will be held on Thursday 19th September 2013 10am to 12.30pm and costs £20.
Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting 
Learn the basics skills required for successful patchwork and quilting on this 8 week course which is suitable for complete beginners.
A range of techniques will be covered including rotary cutting, using templates, getting the best from your sewing machine, making colour choices, hand and machine piecing, applique, hand and machine quilting as well as basic construction methods. Throughout the 8 weeks you will make a number of small projects using your new skills such as a pincushion, needle case and tote bag.
Some basic course materials are included but fabric is not included to allow you to make your own fabric selections.
L168-2013 The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on Thursdays from 9:30am to 12:30am from Monday 6th June. Total course cost £125.
L169-2013 The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on Thursdays from 9:30am to 12:30am from Thursday 10th October. Total course cost £125.
Colour and Scale Workshop
Are you scared of making the right fabric choices? Do you worry about colours not working well together? Are you confused by patterns that talk about shades and tones or lights and darks? If so then come and join this fun and interactive workshop. There’s no sewing involved so you can concentrate on learning how you can apply some basic principles and techniques to help you make inspired and dynamic choices.
L180-2013 Thursday 5th September 2013 half day workshop from 9:30am to 12:30am Total cost £25.
Beginners Lap Quilt Course
Measuring approximately 40” by 40” this smaller quilt version is ideal if you have completed the Introduction to Patchwork & Quilting course or you have similar knowledge and are looking to make your first quilt.
This 8 week course will take you through all the stages you need to complete your quilt. You will consolidate techniques for cutting, block piecing, sashing, borders, layering, quilting, binding and finally adding a quilt label.
Fabric is not included to allow you to make your own fabric selections.
The 3-hourly sessions will be held over 8 weeks on:
L171-2013 Monday Mornings - 9:30am-12:30 from Monday 3rd June. Total course cost £125.
L172-2013 Thursday Afternoons - 1.30pm to 4.30pm from Thursday 10th October. Total course cost £125
Saturday Beginners Sewing Course
By request this course has been specifically put together for those of you who have to work or have other commitments Monday to Friday! We have combined our most popular beginners’ courses into one monthly programme. The classes will be held once a month for 9 months and will include everything from the Introduction to P&Q, Lap quilt and Colour and Scale courses.
L233-2013 Starts Saturday 20th July 2013 10.00am to 4.00pm for 9 months Cost £45 on booking. followed by 8 monthly payments of £45 starting July 2013
Block of the Month Programmes
Provence and Beyond Block of the Month Programme
This is our new block of the month featuring Strip-it fabric by Marcus fabrics. Following feedback from previous programmes we have chosen to make this a 9 class programme (rather than a 6 monthly option) to give you plenty of time for finishing your top and also time in the studio for layering your quilt. Each month you will receive easy-to-follow instructions and diagrams as well as full-size applique patterns. There are two border options so you can choose to make your quilt either 76" x 96" or 80" x 100".
L227-2013 starts Monday 14th October 1.30 to 4.30pm. £50 to join followed by monthly payments of £38.50 from October
Marti and Me Class-based Club
Marti and Me Class-based Meetings
This is not a typical block of the month programme as the emphasis is on exploring different rulers or template sets from Marti Michell. The "Marti and Me" Club meets once a month for 12 months at The Cotton Patch Studio. At the Club meeting you will have a demonstration of the featured tool or template for that month and then have hands on practice in using it.
You will receive a free pattern each month to take home with you as well as a 10% discount on any Marti Michell products you buy during your club membership. Each month the pattern will include instructions for making larger quilts as well as smaller projects such as a table runner or small wall hanging using the same design.
The Marti and Me Club is suitable for individuals who have completed the Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting course or who have similar knowledge.
L211-2013 Membership. Starts Saturday September 21st 2013. Cost - £20 a month. First payment to be made when booking followed by a further 11 monthly payments of £20 commencing September 2013.
Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt
Use your fabric stash to make a superb quilt based on the popular book The Farmer’s Wife Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird. As you stitch you will get an insight into American family values during the 1920’s through a collection of letters sent to the Farmer’s Wife magazine.
Using Marti Michell Perfect Patchwork Templates with special engineered corners you will be able to accurately piece over 100 different 6” quilt blocks during the course. Template conversion charts and hands-on tuition will help you create, assemble and complete your quilt. From Cot to King size quilt the choice is yours.
During the course you will receive 12 three hour classes, a copy of the farmer’s Wife book, 2 Marti Michell template sets, 2 reels of piecing thread and 4 fat 1/8ths of fabric to get you started.
L182-2013 – Starts Monday 14th October 9.30am to 12.30pm. Course Cost: £30 joining fee followed by £25 per month for 12 months
Day and Half Day Classes
Introduction to Hand and Machine Applique
A purely skills based workshop giving you the opportunity to try out different appliqué techniques so that you can find the one that feels right for you. Using both hand and machine appliqué methods you will build a sampler covering prepared edge, raw edge and bonded appliqué. You’ll be able to refer to this again and again as you move onto new projects. A basic starter kit will be provided (£50 includes kit price)
Sorry there are currently no Applique Classes.
Introduction to Foundation Piecing
A purely skills based workshop giving you the opportunity to try out this method of piecing.
Foundation piecing is a traditional and very popular technique because it allows a quilter to construct complicated patterns easily and accurately. It is also a very good way to use up small scraps of fabric. When it's done correctly blocks are perfectly made every time, no matter how small their patches are.
In this workshop you will make a number of different sized blocks suitable to include in greetings cards, a larger project such as a bag or quilt or simply to keep as samples.
Suitable for beginners and improvers
L184-2013 This full day workshop will be held on Friday 7th June 2013 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45.
Introduction to Free Motion Quilting
Learn the basics skills required for successful Free Motion quilting on this interactive day. You will learn how to prepare your machine and fabric as well as understanding ‘random’ quilting designs. The focus is on practice and you will have the opportunity to try out your ideas in a supportive setting.
L188-2013 This full day workshop will be held on Friday 6th September 10.00am to 4.30pm. £45.
Making Friends with your Pfaff Quilt Expression 4 Sewing Machine
This one day workshop has been specifically designed for people who have recently bought a new Pfaff Quilt Expression 4 sewing machine through The Cotton Patch.
Experience has shown that investing some time in learning about your machine at the outset will enable you to make best use of the features available to you. As a result you will improve your patchwork and quilting experience. Learn and practice in a relaxed and supportive environment and leave with a range of samples for future reference.
Customers who have bought a Sewing Machine from The Cotton Patch Cost £20 You will receive a £20 Cotton Patch Voucher on attendance making the class free!
Non-Cotton Patch Sewing Machine Owners Cost £45
You are welcome to join us but priority will be given to Cotton Patch Pfaff Customers.
L216-2013 – Friday 19th July 10.00am to 4.30pm
Picture it Crazy Workshop
Using an eclectic mix of fabrics and embellishments combined with hand stitching techniques you will make your own work of art and frame it for posterity. A range of different coloured materials, embellishments and frame are included but feel free to bring along some cherished pieces for inclusion.
L219-2013 Monday 9th September 2013 from 10am to 4:30pm. £50
Strip Roll Log Cabin Quilt
Log cabin quilts are always popular with quilters of all abilities. They are simple to piece together in any size and once completed have an enduring charm. Combine this technique with a strip roll (Jelly Roll, Bali Pops etc) and you will be able to sew together a quilt top in no time. Once you have mastered the technique the possibilities for future projects are endless as you can turn your blocks into quilts, table runners, bags, cushions and many other creative projects. You can also experiment with a number of variations on both block settings and the basic log cabin block construction.
L221-2013 Monday 16th September 10.00am to 4.30pm £45
Christmas Workshops
There are two Christmas patchwork workshops for you to choose from but if you can’t make up your mind then why not come along to both!
Christmas Stocking Workshop
Make a Christmas stocking using simple piecing and applique to add a touch of tradition to your Christmas festivities. Suitable for boy, girl or adult – you choose the colour and design to suit the recipient.
L177-2013 Monday 25th November 2013 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45
Christmas Applique Workshop
Explore the possibilities of bias strip applique to make a stunning celtic knotwork design wall hanging or cushion cover. Make it in colours to co-ordinate with your room or in bright reds and greens for a Xmas party piece.
L178-2013 Monday 2nd December 2013 from 10am to 4:30pm. £45
Japanese Folded Patchwork Bag Workshop
This amazing looking bag is simple to make and is an ideal hand project as each folded patchwork piece is made as a separate unit. This means it is possible to make units as you go along during a spare five minutes each day. Most people prefer to use hand stitching throughout the project but options for machine sewing will also be covered where appropriate.
On this workshop you will be shown how to make both square and triangle folded units before tackling the hexagon units needed to construct this bag.
Although you will not be able to completely finish the bag on the day you will have all the information you need to finish it off at home. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
Sorry there are currently no Japanese Folded Bag Classes.
Grace and Handi Quilter Classes
Grace Frame Introduction Workshop.
This interactive day for new or inexperienced Grace Frame owners will take you on a journey through the basics needed to help you get the most out of your frame. The day will cover a number of elements including loading your quilt, using different needles, threads, tension, stitch regulation and speed control, free motion quilting, ruler work and setting pattern designs. You will have the opportunity to be hands on. Small class numbers ensure lots of time for individual practice and learning.
Full day workshops will be held on the following dates from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £50.
L192-2013 Saturday 6th July 2013 10am to 4:30pm
L193-2013 Wednesday 11th September 2013 10am to 4:30pm
L194-2013 Thursday 31st October 2013 10am to 4:30pm
Grace Frame Part Two.
This one day workshop will build on the techniques learnt on the introduction day to help you develop your skills as a Grace Frame quilter.
Full day workshops will be held on the following dates from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £50.
L198-2013 Thursday 12th September 2013 10am to 4:30pm
L199-2013 Saturday 23rd November 2013 10am to 4:30pm
Handi Quilter Test Drive Day
Thinking of buying a Handi Quilter or Sweet Sixteen? This is your chance to spend a day learning about longarm quilting on the Avante and Sweet Sixteen with the opportunity to test drive both. If you buy on the day we'll refund the £50 cost of the class!
Full day workshops will be held on the following dates from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £20.
L228-2013 Saturday 29.6.13 10.00 to 4.30pm £20
Contact us for details of the next class or for a one-on-one demonstration at The Cotton Patch Studio.
Handi Quilter and Sweet Sixteen Introduction
This one day workshop will take you on a journey through the basics needed to help you get the most out of your Handi Quilter or Sweet Sixteen.
Full day workshops will be held on the following dates from 10am to 4.30pm and costs £75.
L209-2013 Saturday 9th November 2013 10am to 4:00pm